PLEASE HELP with BLOOD PRESSURES

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2005

I would have another student in your class try and use your stethescope and see if they are having the same problems as you. If so, then I'm afraid it is the stethescope......

Whenever I first started taking vitals for my EMT class, I used what has been referred to as a *cheap* stethescope (it was all I could afford). I quickly realized when I started nursing school....that wasn't going to work out for me because I simply wasn't hearing what everyone else in my class was hearing. I got a Littman Master Cardio II and you would be amazed at the difference in what I hear. Not only for B/P but breath sounds, heart sounds....all those things I never heard with my *cheap* stethescope. They are expensive but it's an investment that if you take care of, you'll have for a long time.

Chad_KY_SRNA · Feb 3, 2005

Obvious things (that I have done) first, does it have a dual head? I don't know you or what you know so please excuse me if I seem condescending but, if it has a dual head, you can twist the chest piece around to use two sides, if it is turned the wrong way, you wont hear squat. As far as letting the air out too quickly, just barely open the stop cock holding it firmly between your thumb and fore finger. What you should hear is similar to gently patting your finger against the head of a stethoscope or a whooshing sound.

twinbee25 · Feb 3, 2005

If you find out it isnt your stethescope, try and practice on a man to listen for the blood pressure. We have a few male nursing students in our class, and that was how I discovered "what" sounds I was suppose to be listening for. After that, I had no problems. ...men tend to have stronger pulse sounds.

Also, we did have a video in lab that showed how to do it all, and also we could "hear" the sounds we were wanting to listen for.

Good luck! just know that once you do hear it the first time, then you got it! :)

Morguein · Feb 3, 2005

Here's a mistake that I did with my stethescope and might be something for you to check: I didn't realize that the ear pieces could swivel forwards and backwards. You want the tips of the ear peices to point towards your nose. They should not go straight in or be facing towards the back of your head. The ear piece should fit very snuggly IN your ear. With most stethoscopes, you should be able to manipulate the ear piece.

Chad_KY_SRNA · Feb 3, 2005

Were we of any help at all?

kar212 · Feb 3, 2005

It sounds dumb, but always make sure your stethoscope is turned 'on' by tapping on it. I remember feeling so dumb when I told my nursing instructor that I couldn't hear anything and she told me I needed to turn the stethoscope head to the on position.

Also, make sure you find the brachial pulse with your fingers and place your stethoscope directly over that spot. You'll hear much better than if you just place the stethoscope where it's 'supposed' to go. It's not always in the same spot for every person.

dream8 · Feb 3, 2005

Thanks everybody for the help. My friend had a littman and I cleaned it. I personally think I heard a little better. So Im definitely going to get a new Stethescope. I guess the more I practice, the better I will get at it.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 3, 2005

Thats all it takes is practice. Expecially when letting the air out. You'll get a feel for it. Its good though that you have your own too. It'll let you practice anytime you want to and get good with it.

PBAJS · Feb 4, 2005

someone said after using another person's stethoscope, she had an ear infection. is that possible?

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Chaya, ASN, RN · Feb 4, 2005

someone said after using another person's stethoscope, she had an ear infection. is that possible?
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our policy is we always use an alcohol wipe on the earpieces between users.